Religion and Spirituality - WILL THERE BE Really a Difference?
When it involves spirituality and religion, I sometimes think about why you will find a distinction made. In the end, both those that consider themselves spiritual but not religious, and those who consider themselves religious however, not spiritual maintain there are differences. Then, there are those that consider themselves both spiritual and also religious. Even these like to separate the two. It appears hardly any really say "Well, spirituality and religion are basically the same thing." Maybe it's because it's the truth. Not.
My understanding of the difference that is generally accepted, is that spirituality is really a more personal definition where you come to your own conclusions about what you are feeling is spiritual. While, religion can be an organized group that just about teaches or tells you what is the truth regarding faith, the soul and God. Another difference I often hear is that folks who consider themselves spiritual, often don't acknowledge they believe in a God, just a feeling that there is something spiritual beyond the material world we live in.
But, can you really have confidence in a soul or spiritual world without believing in a supreme being or God? Well, there are some definitions of religion which are a lot more general and besically make reference to religion as a "worldview" predicated on your beliefs. This may mean just about anything and for me makes the difference between spirituality and religion less defined. You might have a set of beliefs and a worldview that don't include a supreme being and in addition aren't section of an organized group. So maybe a religion can also have one, personal and individual definition. Perhaps it ought to be this way because we have been discussing beliefs and faith. They are feelings rather than concrete scientific facts. If there have been facts then of course it wouldn't be a faith.
While it seems reasonable for someone to say "I'm spiritual, but I don't think in God.", does it also seem reasonable for someone to say "I am religious, but I don't believe in a God."? In more info with some definitions, this appears to be a reasonable statement also, although at first it doesn't sound logical.
My understanding of the difference that is generally accepted, is that spirituality is really a more personal definition where you come to your own conclusions about what you are feeling is spiritual. While, religion can be an organized group that just about teaches or tells you what is the truth regarding faith, the soul and God. Another difference I often hear is that folks who consider themselves spiritual, often don't acknowledge they believe in a God, just a feeling that there is something spiritual beyond the material world we live in.
But, can you really have confidence in a soul or spiritual world without believing in a supreme being or God? Well, there are some definitions of religion which are a lot more general and besically make reference to religion as a "worldview" predicated on your beliefs. This may mean just about anything and for me makes the difference between spirituality and religion less defined. You might have a set of beliefs and a worldview that don't include a supreme being and in addition aren't section of an organized group. So maybe a religion can also have one, personal and individual definition. Perhaps it ought to be this way because we have been discussing beliefs and faith. They are feelings rather than concrete scientific facts. If there have been facts then of course it wouldn't be a faith.
While it seems reasonable for someone to say "I'm spiritual, but I don't think in God.", does it also seem reasonable for someone to say "I am religious, but I don't believe in a God."? In more info with some definitions, this appears to be a reasonable statement also, although at first it doesn't sound logical.
Public Last updated: 2021-05-23 12:40:12 PM
